MARCH 17, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Jasper and Newton counties on Friday, March 18, 2022, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed. 

On March 8, Officer Reed was shot and gravely wounded after responding to a disturbance call at a shopping center. He succumbed to his injuries on March 11 and donated his vital organs to several recipients.    

“Less than five years ago, at just 22 years of age, Jake Reed took an oath to protect his community, fight violence and run toward danger, no matter the risk to himself,” Lt. Governor Kehoe said. “Last week, his courage and commitment to safeguarding others cost Officer Reed his life. His heroic service and contributions to Joplin are magnified by the gift of life he provided to others through organ donation. We must continue to support Officer Reed's family and the heroes of law enforcement who sacrifice each day to make our communities safer.”

“Missouri’s law enforcement officers courageously respond to thousands of calls for assistance each day, regardless of the threats and challenges they may face,” Governor Parson said. “That’s what Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed did last week, and a violent criminal murdered the 27-year-old officer. We will always remember Officer Reed as a hero committed to protecting others. As we memorialize Officer Reed, Teresa and I continue to pray for his friends and family and the entire Joplin community. We will always be grateful for our Missouri law enforcement officers who answer the call each day.”   

Officer Reed graduated from Missouri Southern State University Law Enforcement Academy in May 2017 and joined the Joplin Police Department that same month.    

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Officer Reed is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

MARCH 14, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Jasper and Newton counties on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Joplin Police Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper. 

On March 8, Corporal Cooper was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call at a shopping center.   

“Benjamin Cooper devoted his life to bravely serving and protecting others, first as a soldier, and then as a law enforcement officer,” Lt. Governor Kehoe said. “In over 18 years in law enforcement, he honorably served as a patrolman, investigator, firearms instructor, SWAT officer, field training officer, canine officer, and internal affairs officer. Corporal Cooper’s senseless killing is a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers willingly face each day to keep us safe, and of the debt we owe them for their courageous service.”

"Corporal Cooper served and protected his fellow citizens with honor and dignity," Governor Parson said. "Due to this heinous violence against law enforcement officers, Corporal Cooper's wife is now without a husband and daughters without a father. This must end, and shows why we must always support our Missouri law enforcement officers – who only wish to serve. Our hearts go out to Corporal Cooper's family and friends as they mourn his tragic loss. Teresa and I will be praying for them."

Corporal Cooper served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 2001. He served in the Joplin Police Department from 2004 to 2008, when he left to serve as a deputy sheriff in Colorado. He returned to the Joplin Police Department in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2016.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Corporal Cooper is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

MARCH 8, 2022

Jefferson City — From March 11 - 19, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland for their third international Trade Mission. The U.K. and Ireland are key trade partners for Missouri, with nearly $354 million and more than $130 million in exports in 2021, respectively.

Consistent with Governor Parson’s infrastructure and economic development priorities, the goal of the Trade Mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade.

“This is an exciting opportunity to support relationships with international companies, which are important to our state’s economic growth,” Governor Parson said. “Missouri-made products are sold and shipped to locations across the globe. I look forward to meeting with leaders and officials in the U.K. and Ireland as we continue promoting our state as an ideal location to grow and expand business.”

The Trade Mission will include stops in Cambridge and London, U.K., as well as Dublin, Ireland, to meet with government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion. Governor Parson will meet with company representatives that have existing relationships in Missouri to thank them for their investment in the state and companies without a presence in Missouri to encourage them to consider Missouri for future investments.

The nearly $484 million in goods exported to the U.K. and Ireland in 2021 show the importance of international trade to the state’s economic success. Among the goods exported to the U.K., non-electrical machinery and chemicals were among those in highest demand. Chemicals and fabricated metal products ranked highly among exports to Ireland.

United Kingdom Highlights

Governor Parson will take part in an ag-tech roundtable discussion in Cambridge with Agri-TechE, a business focused membership organization that supports the growth of a world-leading network of innovative farmers, producers, scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs who share a vision of increasing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture.

Meetings scheduled include the Chargé d’Affaires, ad Interim Philip T. Reeker of the U.S. Embassy in London, the Minister of State and Trade Policy, as well as a business roundtable with aerospace and advanced technology companies to discuss their future growth plans.

Ireland Highlights

Governor Parson will receive political, economic, and commercial briefings from the U.S. Embassy Irish Country team and meet with several Irish companies that have an existing presence in Missouri.

The Trade Mission is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization. For updates on the trip, follow @GovMikeParson on Facebook and @GovParsonMO on Twitter.

MARCH 4, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced two judicial appointments to the 4th and 23rd Judicial Circuits. 

Brett Hurst, of Fairfax, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Atchison County in the 4th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Hurst currently serves as the Prosecuting Attorney for Atchison County. He earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture business management from the University of Missouri—Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. Mr. Hurst will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Corey K. Herron to Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Edward L. Page, of Festus, was appointed as Circuit Judge for Division 2 of the 23rd Judicial Circuit.

Judge Page currently serves as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 23rd Judicial Circuit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Page will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Darrell E. Missey to Director of Children’s Division.

MARCH 2, 2022

Jefferson City — On Monday, February 28, 2022, Governor Mike Parson granted 29 pardons and approved one commutation pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and are being sent to the individuals.

To review the names of the individuals granted clemency, please see attached. Governor Parson has instructed his legal team to continue reviewing clemency files and working to reduce the backlog inherited by his administration. 

2-28-2022 Pardons and Commutation.pdf

MARCH 1, 2022

Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian national flag, beginning at sunset tonight, March 1, 2022, until sunrise on Friday, March 4, 2022, in solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they defend their country and democracy against Russian invasion.

“Starting tonight, we will light the Capitol dome blue and yellow to show that Missouri stands with the people of Ukraine and the defense of democracy," Governor Parson said. "In the face of unprovoked Russian aggression, Ukrainians refuse to back down or cower to a dictator. Missouri stands with and supports Ukraine, as the world again learns that freedom is not free. Democracy is a threat to power-hungry oppressors, and for that same reason, we must always protect it. Teresa and I continue to pray for the people of Ukraine, all innocent lives put in harms way, and a quick resolution to peace that protects the sovereignty and freedom of Ukraine."

"We join the rest of the nation and the world in expressing our condemnation of the attacks on Ukraine and this Russian assault on democracy," said Dean Plocher, Missouri House of Representatives Majority Leader. "We are proud that the Capitol dome will shine blue and yellow, showing that Missourians stand in solidarity with the freedom-loving people of Ukraine as they fight against Putin's tyranny." 

Pictures of the dome lighting will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page. 

MARCH 1, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has selected Paula Nickelson to serve as the Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), effective March 1, 2022. 

"Today, we are excited to announce Paula Nickelson as the new DHSS Acting Director," Governor Parson said. "Paula was a key player in Missouri's COVID-19 response efforts and has been a valued member at DHSS for more than 22 years. We are confident in her abilities and proud to welcome her to our Cabinet as we move forward from the COVID pandemic and prepare for what comes next in public health." 

Nickelson, a Missouri native, has served within DHSS for more than 22 years and has a distinguished career in public health and health care management. For most of her time with the Department, she has been a leader in several program areas, including maternal-child health, chronic disease prevention, and emergency preparedness and response.

Nickelson was also involved in the state's H1N1 response and planning efforts following the 9/11 attacks. Most recently, she was instrumental in a number of COVID-19 response efforts. 

Over the past two years, Nickelson has put her vast experience to work as a reliable, calming, and realistic leader to implement game-changing solutions during COVID-19. She helped establish the state’s first PPE warehouse, led an interagency team that implemented the "box it in" COVID mitigation strategy for long-term care facilities, oversaw the state’s antigen testing program, and led the implementation of the state’s decontamination system for N95 masks for health care workers when resources were still scarce.

Nickelson also developed strategies to establish state-funded monoclonal antibody infusion sites and was part of the team responsible for providing health care staffing support during two separate occasions. 

“It is a great privilege to be asked to lead the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,” said DHSS Acting Director Paula Nickelson. “I am committed to enhancing our collaborative work with our local public health partners, our health care and behavioral health partners and all community partners. We will be focusing on the state’s leading causes of morbidity and mortality; prioritizing health equity; and ensuring updated data systems, performance management, and operational excellence tools are in place so we can serve Missourians in the best ways possible.” 

Nickelson earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Central Missouri and a Master of Education in counseling psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Nickelson Official Photo-Color (resized).jpg

FEBRUARY 28, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson granted 29 pardons and approved one commutation pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and are being sent to the individuals.

In the interest of privacy, the Governor's Office will not immediately release the names of the individuals granted clemency so that appropriate communications can be made to families. The information will be made available once families are notified.  

FEBRUARY 25, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced seven appointments to various boards and commissions.

Sheriff Jim Arnott, of Springfield, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. 

Sheriff Arnott has served as the Greene County Sheriff since 2008. He has also simultaneously served as the Interim Chief of the Fair Grove Police Department and Ash Grove Police Department during two separate vacancies. Prior to being elected Sheriff, he was the Chief Deputy of the Greene County Sheriff's Office for four years after rising through the ranks from patrol deputy. During his tenure, the Sheriff's Office has formed a Psychology Unit, become the only Sheriff run jail in Missouri to earn a National Commission on Correctional Health Care Accreditation for its medical department, and formed the Professional Standards division. He is a member of the National Sheriff's Association, Missouri Sheriff's Association, Justice Reinvestment Executive Oversight Committee, and the Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors. Sheriff Arnott is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, National Sheriff's Institute, and Drury University Law Enforcement Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University.  

Thomas Brown, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners. 

Mr. Brown served as the Chief of Staff for the Office of U.S. Congressman Sam Graves for nearly 15 years. Prior to joining Congressman Grave's office, he served as the Clay County Western District Commissioner and was the Chief Executive Officer of the Hays Companies. Mr. Brown is currently a member of the St. Luke's Health System Board of Directors and Tri-County Mental Health Board. He was named Northlander of the Year by the Northland Chamber of Commerce in 2018. Mr. Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Southern State University. 

Michael Keeven, of Beaufort, was appointed to the Well Installation Board. 

Mr. Keeven is the owner of Keeven Heating and Cooling, a family-owned HVAC operation that has been in business for more than 35 years. He has worked as a heating and cooling technician and installer for more than 30 years. Mr. Keeven is a certified Heat Pump Installer and Driller by the International Ground Service Heat Pump Association and a Geothermal Well Driller and Water Well Driller by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. He serves on the Board of Directors for Gateway HVAC Contractors. Mr. Keeven earned an Associate of Applied Science from East Central College. 

Sheriff Katy Jo McCutcheon, of Fredericktown, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission.

Sheriff McCutcheon has served as the Sheriff of Madison County since 2017 and the Director of Madison County 911 Communications since 2013. Previously, she served as a Deputy Madison County Sheriff for eight years. In 2011, she began working part time for Follis & Sons Funeral Home. Sheriff McCutcheon earned her Missouri Funeral Directors License in 2013 and her Missouri Embalmers License in 2015, after graduating from the Des Moines Area Community College Advanced Mortuary Program.

Mark Pierce, of DeKalb, was appointed to the Clean Water Commission. 

Mr. Pierce has owned and operated his own farming operation since 1977 and has been the President of Rippling Water Farms, Inc. since 2013. He has served on the FCS Financial Board of Directors since 2002 and has been the Vice Chairman of the Board since 2012. Mr. Pierce also serves on the Farm Credit Council Board of Directors and has previously served on the Weston Missouri Levy District Board and Soil and Water Board of Platte County. 

Michael Taylor, of Marshfield, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission. 

Mr. Taylor has served as the Webster County Coroner since his election in 2004. He joined the Marshfield Fire Protection District in 1989 as a firefighter and rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief, a position he has held since 2005. Mr. Taylor previously served as the Marshfield Director of Emergency Medical Services from 1995 to 2019. He is a licensed paramedic, certified EMS instructor, and is a member of the Missouri Coroner and Medical Examiners Association Board of Directors. Mr. Taylor received Medicolegal Death Investigator training from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and earned an Associate of Applied Science in fire science from Columbia Southern University. 

Michael Wiegand, of Eureka, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. 

Mr. Wiegand has served as the Chief of Police for the Eureka Police Department since 1987. He started with the Department in 1979 as a patrolmen and rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police. He is a member of the Missouri Police Chief's Association, Missouri Peace Officers Association, St. Louis Area Police Chief's Association, and the FBI National Academy Associates. He was named Police Chief of the Year by the Missouri Police Chief's Association in 2017. Mr. Wiegand graduated from the Greater St. Louis Police Academy and FBI National Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Webster University.

FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 supplemental budget bill, HB 3014, that was passed by the General Assembly this morning. The bill allows for current operations of state government to continue through FY 2022. 

"We are happy to sign the supplemental budget bill into law today," Governor Parson said. "This bill not only gives our dedicated state team members a long overdue pay increase, but also appropriates critical funding to our K-12 schools and child care system. We thank the General Assembly for working to get this important piece of legislation passed and to my desk." 

HB 3014 totals over $4.6 billion, including $401.5 million in general revenue, $4.1 billion in federal funds, and $45.3 million in other funds. The supplemental budget bill includes funding for several high priority areas: 

• A statewide pay plan for state team members, including a 5.5 percent cost of living adjustment 
• $1.9 billion for distribution to local public school districts
• Nearly $100 million for distribution to non-public schools
• $444 million for child care services
• $219 million for school food programs
• Funding for MO HealthNet, including funding to ensure eligibility re-determinations are done in a timely manner

For more information on HB 3014, click here.